Jan's Plans & Pans - June 6, 2023

Dear John xxxxxx,

An economic disaster has been averted thanks to President Biden and his negotiating team, who did the best they could in the midst of a hostage situation. Thanks to the president’s leadership, the Republicans were unable to make cuts to crucial programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. President Biden was able to protect his landmark pieces of legislation, the Inflation Reduction Act, including the bill's historic climate provisions, the Infrastructure Law, and the Chips and Science Act. The deal will also expand exemptions for veterans, people who are homeless, and former foster youth who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

But there are many provisions Republicans included in the bill that I am vehemently opposed to. New SNAP work requirements will be phased in for older adults without children. Republicans bulldozed local interests to give the Mountain Valley Pipeline expedited permitting. Funding for the Internal Revenue Service will be slashed, limiting our ability to go after wealthy tax cheats and frauds. And our already excessive defense spending will significantly outpace domestic spending that directly helps American families.

For those reasons, I voted against the final passage of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023. But, let me be clear, if my vote was needed to prevent a catastrophic debt default, I certainly would have voted for the agreement. I just simply could not condone Kevin McCarthy and the Republicans holding the American people hostage. They manufactured an economic crisis and threatened to send the world economy into a tailspin in order to enact cruel budget cuts that would harm veterans, seniors, people with disabilities, and millions of others.

If Republicans were serious about reducing the debt and deficit, during negotiations, they would have agreed to President Biden’s proposed taxes on millionaires, billionaires, and large corporations.

Dating back to last fall, I have called for the House to raise the debt ceiling, and for years, I have called for the debt ceiling to be eliminated. Further, earlier this month, I joined all my Democratic colleagues in signing a discharge petition to force a vote on a clean debt ceiling. All it would have taken was five reasonable Republicans to join with the Democrats to prioritize vulnerable communities and the global economy. It did not have to come to this.

Congress should never be forced to decide between paying our bills or devastating Americans in need of assistance. My constituents and the American people deserve better. When Democrats are in control of Congress following the 2024 elections, we must take the steps necessary to ensure this does not happen again.

Have a great week,

Schakowsky Participates in Gun Violence Prevention Task Force Forum

On Monday, I joined the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force to discuss how we can put an end to the gun violence epidemic. We met on the Senate side of the Capitol because Republicans denied our room request on the House side of the Capitol. We will not be silenced. Americans are counting on us to keep them safe.

Schakowsky, Garcia Host Rail Labor
Roundtable

Congressman Jesús “Chuy" García and I met with railroad workers and labor leaders to discuss our efforts to improve rail safety, support workers, and all we must do going forward. Last month, railroad workers saw a 5.7% decrease in their sickness and unemployment benefits. Congress must act on my bipartisan bill, the REEF Act, to ensure railroad workers receive the benefits they have earned. Families across the country are counting on us.

Schakowsky Meets with Advocates Working to Combat Homelessness

Last week, in my Skokie office, I met with local advocates and community members who are on the front lines providing services for those who are homeless, or at risk of being homeless, especially young people. In this photo are Erin Ryan, the interim CEO of the night ministry; Stephanie Piccirilli, president and CEO of Ignjte; Tedd Peso, from the Night Ministry; and Susan Frankel, CEO of the National Runaway Safeline. Housing is a basic need, and I believe that no one should face homelessness, an unfair or deceptive mortgage, or barriers to accessible housing.

Local Students Partake in 2023 Artistic Discovery Competition

The 2023 Congressional Art Competition was one of the best yet! Hearing each student describe their work of art was inspiring. I cannot wait to welcome this year's winner, Ava from Skokie, to DC next month. Her piece, "Spring in Seoul," will hang in the US Capitol. Congrats!

Upcoming Neighborhood Office Hours

An immigration attorney that was representing constituents and working with a Constituent Advocate in my District Office wrote:

"In late 2019, Mr. and Mrs. T had been waiting 3 ½ years for an interview on their application for political asylum. They were anxious to complete their interview so their 9 year-old daughter could join them in the U.S. When they fled their country 4 years earlier, in fear for their lives, they left their daughter in the care of her grandmother and great-grandmother.

"After the couple was granted asylum in early 2021, Rep. Schakowsky’s office asked USCIS to give expedited treatment to their petition for their daughter to join them in the U.S. as soon as possible. While that petition was pending, they learned that their daughter was seriously ill. With the help of Rep. Schakowsky, Mrs. T was able to get a travel document so she could go be with her daughter immediately.  

"Rep. Schakowsky’s office then worked with USCIS and the State Department to expedite the processing of their daughter’s visa, as well as a tourist visa for the daughter’s doctor, who flew to the U.S. to ensure the daughter’s safety and comfort during the flight, and mother, daughter, and doctor arrived safely in the U.S. in January 2022. Thanks to Rep. Schakowsky’s unwavering support, the daughter has been receiving cutting-edge medical and therapeutic treatment at one of the world’s best pediatric hospitals, and she is expected to make a full recovery." 

Passport Renewal

As the summer travel season approaches, be sure to check your passport before you book travel! This year, the U.S. State Department has seen an unprecedented number of passport applications. To put things into perspective, last year, my office assisted with 422 passport cases. Since January of this year, my office has already handled 529 passport cases. 

Current processing times for passports are: 10-13 weeks for routine and 7-9 weeks for expedited. These times are subject to change and are posted on the Dept. of State Website.  Please apply well in advance of your travel date – if your travel date is sooner than the current processing times, you may not get your passport in time for travel.

Please remember that emergency in-person appointments at the Chicago Passport Agency are intended for emergencies and availability is not guaranteed unless it is a life or death emergency! These appointments are not and have never been intended for routine renewal. If you have upcoming travel you should NOT plan on receiving an appointment at the Chicago Passport Agency. Passport renewals are intended to go through the mail.

Did you know that many countries require your passport to be valid for several months beyond your date of travel? Depending on your destination, validity requirements can vary from 3 to 6 months beyond the date of travel! You can check the requirements for your destination on the Dept. of State Website under "International Travel" and "Country Information".

If you have planned travel and have a pending application that may not arrive on time, or if you need an emergency appointment at the Chicago Passport Agency, the Constituent Advocates in my District Office are happy to help! Please call the office at 773-506-7100, or you can open a case with my office online.